According to a statement issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the whole Angeles National Forest will be restricted to the public until January 15 due to the impact of the neighboring Eaton Fire.
“For public safety and the protection of natural resources,” the USDA website announced in an advisory that it would be closed from January 8 to January 15.
Authorities declared that other activities, such as being anywhere on ANF property, a road, or a trail, would also be forbidden within ANF and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument regions.
The order does not apply to state, federal, or local officers or those who are employed by organized fire or rescue services. Also exempt are those who possess a Forest Service Permit that permits them to utilize roads, trails, or areas that are regulated.
According to officials, breaking these rules can result in a maximum six-month jail sentence or a fine of $5,000 for people and $10,000 for organizations.
Here is a complete list of the locations affected by the shutdown, which is in effect for one week.
The news is made as a number of destructive wildfires rage throughout Los Angeles County, including the Eaton Fire, which has encroached on Mount Wilson and scorched over 10,000 acres in the valleys above Altadena and Pasadena.